It is a type of seizure caused by a generalized irritation of the brain, accompanied by loss of consciousness.
Sometimes the cause is unknown, but it has been associated in many cases with trauma, infections, neoplasms, genetic alterations and toxins that irritate the brain tissue.
Tonic-clonic seizures go through three phases: the first in which the patient's muscles become rigid, the second in which he loses consciousness and begins to make generalized and repetitive movements and the third in which the patient wakes up and becomes prostrate, with slow thinking and amnesia of what has happened.
The diagnosis is made by clinical history, complete physical examination and an electroencephalogram. Complementary imaging tests may be performed to complete the study.
Treatment is based on correcting the triggering cause and antiepileptic drugs, which also help to avoid new episodes. Sometimes childhood epilepsies disappear when puberty is reached.
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- Angus Wilfong, MD. Clinical features and complications of status epilepticus in children. UpToDate. Nov 16, 2015.
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